You're in an interview for your dream job. Everything is going well. Suddenly, the interviewer says, "Tell me about a time you had to manage conflicting deadlines."
Heart racing?
Sweaty palms?
I've got your back. Nail the question and impress the interviewer!
Why the interviewer asks this question
Managing conflicting deadlines means you have many deadlines to meet within a restricted timeframe — for example, an essay and a group project are due this weekend.
You might think it's strange to ask somebody about deadlines. Why not qualifications or skills? Rest assured, the interviewer has a purpose in mind. They want to assess multiple skills from you, including:
Prioritizing tasks
Managing time
Staying organized
Remaining calm under pressure
But how can you answer this question?
1. Talk about how you manage your time
Managing conflicting deadlines involves time management. So, mention actions or tools that help you optimize your time.
For example:
I once had two deadlines, due on one day: finishing a group project and submitting my application for a part-time job. I started the day with the most urgent and important task, the group project. I also used the Pomodoro method to focus on one thing at a time, with regular breaks. The result was that I completed both tasks on time.
Don't have a way of managing your time? Learn this timeboxing method.
2. Talk about how you select tasks
When you have conflicting deadlines, it's important not to do everything. Instead, show interviewers that you can be selective using systems like:
An example:
I usually list all tasks and assess their order of importance and urgency. Then, I prioritize important and urgent tasks first, such as finishing my essay. Meanwhile, I schedule less urgent, but important tasks later, like doing chores.
An example:
Each morning, I set SMART goals for my day. I plan to finish writing a report (Specific), write 500 words (Measurable), because I can do that in two hours (Achievable). It’s part of my job responsibilities (Relevant), and I aim to finish my first task by 11 a.m. (Time-bound). Then, I move on to the next task.
3. Talk about the results
The employer wants to know your accomplishments when facing tight deadlines:
Did you complete everything? If not, what would you do differently?
Did you learn anything new?
Stay positive, even if you didn't succeed. This shows that you're committed to self-development and will bring that attitude to the role. Here is an example:
After that experience, I've learned how to remain calm under stress when managing conflicting deadlines. Next time, I will keep my to do list to 3 items, instead of 5, and get them done before moving on to the next task.
Quiz
You managed to submit your dissertation and complete your training as a barista. What should you mention about the result? Choose ALL that apply:
Take Action
Get ready to talk about deadlines!
To prepare for your interview, reflect on your typical working day:
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